The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals 93-89 to win its first NBA Championship in franchise history. The NBA title is the first major sports championship to be won in the city of Cleveland since 1964. A historic run in the NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers exacted revenge on a Golden State Warriors team that beat these Cavaliers in 5 games in the 2015 NBA Finals. This time the Cavaliers competed with a full team, the biggest difference maker being Kyrie Irving. Irving’s backcourt play was instrumental in Cleveland having a balanced attack aginst the Warriors, something that was missing in last year’s finals as Irving fractured his knee cap in Game One. Surgery ended his season last year and Kyrie Irving did not return to Cleveland’s lineup until midseason this year, thus setting a path for a return trip to the finals. The quest to this championship began once Lebron left the Miami Heat as a free agent in 2014 to return home and begin his mission to bring a championship to Cleveland. Two years later the Cavaliers are celebrating a NBA Championship. Lebron James filled the stat sheets with amazing numbers during the finals averaging 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.3 blocks en route to winning his third NBA Finals MVP. The championship win came in historic fashion for the Cleveland Cavaliers as the not only defeated the team with the best regular season record in NBA history (73-9) but the Cavs also came back from a 3-1 series deficit, becoming the first team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win an NBA Championship. “The Land” is finally able to enjoy the scent of freshly popped champagne and can now hang a championship banner inside The Q.
Enjoy The 2016 NBA Finals Gallery Recap Below:
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Bill Russell MVP Trophy after beating the Golden State Warriors in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 13: A Golden State Warriors fan holds a sign that reads, “Most Valuable leBaby” with a picture of LeBron James prior to Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 18: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers stretches during practice and media availability as part of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 18, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 2: The Golden State Warriors dance team are seen against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 2, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 13: Andrew Bogut #12 of the Golden State Warriors is assisted off the court after sustaining an injury during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 8: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 8, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 13: A general view of ORACLE Arena prior to Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors on June 13, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 8: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers boxes out against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the game during the 2016 NBA Finals Game Three on June 8, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 13: Rapper Drake sits courtside as the Golden State Warriors take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 05: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts in the second quarter of Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 13: A general view of ORACLE Arena prior to Game 5 of the 2016 NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors on June 13, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 8: The teams are introduced before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Three of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 8, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 2: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a lay up during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 2, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 02: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers arrives before Game 1 of the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on June 2, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JUNE 1: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers boards the bus on his way to practice and media availability as part of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 1, 2016 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 19: Kevin Love #0 and Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five each other during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2016 NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 8: Cleveland Cavaliers fans pose with fat heads before the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game Three of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 8, 2016 at The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 4: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during practice and media availability as part of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 4, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 8: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game during the 2016 NBA Finals Game Three on June 8, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 19: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the hoop against the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
June 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; General view of the scoreboard and basket during NBA Finals media day at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 4: NBA Legend Jerry West chats with Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during practice and media availability as part of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 4, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 2: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 2, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 4: A view of the Finals logo during practice and media availability as part of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 4, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors speaks to the media during practice and media availability as part of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 15, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Brian Wilson prays in the final minutes of Game 7 of the NBA basketball Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors, Sunday, June 19, 2016, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 93-89. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving, from left, LeBron James, Dahntay Jones and J.R. Smith sit on the bench during the second half of Game 2 of basketball’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 19: The opening tipoff between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors in Game Seven of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 2: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers stands on the court during the game against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 2, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 19, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 5: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers goes to the basket against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 5, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 2: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors in Game One of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 2, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JUNE 15: Anderson Varejao chats with Assistant Coach Luke Walton of the Golden State Warriors during practice and media availability as part of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 15, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
in Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 19: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors goes for the lay up during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2016 NBA Finals on June 19, 2016 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 05: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers takes a shot against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the 2016 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 5, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 4: NBA Legend Jerry West chats with Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors during practice and media availability as part of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 4, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 4: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers during practice and media availability as part of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 4, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 18: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots during practice and media availability as part of the 2016 NBA Finals on June 18, 2016 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
